expression

Definition of expressionnext
1
as in voice
an act, process, or means of putting something into words the poem is his expression of his grief upon the loss of his beloved wife

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2
as in look
facial appearance regarded as an indication of mood or feeling we could tell by the fans' expressions that the Chicago Cubs had lost again

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3
as in term
a pronounceable series of letters having a distinct meaning especially in a particular field the expression "John Doe" is used in legal proceedings to refer to a person whose actual name is either unknown or being withheld from the public

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4
as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning the popular expression "raining cats and dogs" is meaningless in other languages

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expression For the footwear itself, the teams focused on creating a timeless expression anchored in one of Hoka’s most recognizable silhouettes. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 June 2026 The Wente Clone Chardonnay 2024 – A truly elegant expression of the Wente Chardonnay clone, beautifully balanced fruit, oak, and acidity. Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Free expression of thought is the conduit by which all American citizens are able to discuss the quality of candidates running for offices at all levels of government, as well as societal events shaping our future. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026 The library represents the first permanent physical expression of the editorial vision behind Service95 Book Club, which has featured conversations between Lipa and writers including Atwood, Olga Tokarczuk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Percival Everett. Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for expression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expression
Noun
  • The voice actor hall allowed attendees to meet voice actors from some of their favorite shows.
    Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026
  • Barreto’s muffled voice is heard responding.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • To mimic Streep's look, pair the jeans with a striped button-up top.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • For a coordinated look, there’s also a matching short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt—each available for under $50.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Either way, Angela’s slip is definitely showing in terms of behind-the-scenes messiness (seriously, enough is enough with the cheating stories!
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • In recent days, after Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, Kainerugaba has strengthened his grip with a series of directives and orders usually reserved for the head of state.
    Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • His Raising Cane’s work, titled Cane’s Anthem, continues the Pop-lite aesthetic, utilizing phrases and images that appear to be culled from the mass media.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026
  • Anyway, this phrase survived my query letter, made it into my agent’s submission letter to editors, and ended up in my editor’s copy on the back of the book.
    Sarah Schulman, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Among those who tested positive and those who tested negative, the researchers calculated the odds of having received a 2025-26 formulation of the Covid vaccine.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 June 2026
  • The only reasonable conclusion when this formulation is applied is that this group of seven Canucks veterans must be viewed organizationally as depreciating assets.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The family of a 26-year-old man who was shot and killed in Fort Worth last week remembers his bright smile and genuine laugh.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • Gen doesn’t give her even a pretend smile.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • When word spread that Swift attended Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley's 2023 wedding on the New Jersey shore, hundreds of fans and photographers descended on the quiet beach community.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The best tended to use puns, literalization — turning an idiom into reality — and pedantic humor to delight and torment children in equal measures.
    Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 21 June 2026
  • That French idiom about having long teeth — les dents longues — can have negative connotations about a person’s ambitious streak.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expression. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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